Cabongaoan Beach Itinerary

Cabongaoan Beach, Burgos, Pangasinan

I must admit, the reason behind my visit to Cabongaoan Beach was to see the famous ‘Death Pool.’ I had no set expectations for the beach area since I was more occupied researching about the death pool that I forgot about the beach itself. Fortunately, the beach didn’t disappoint. In fact, the water was tough to resist.

We headed to Cabongaoan beach right after our overnight trip from Dasol, Pangasinan. Basically, from Burgos Market, you can go directly to either Tambobong or Cabongaoan.

Cabongaoan beach had similar qualities to the beaches in Dasol – the temperature was just right, and the water was clear. But the beach area here is wider compared to Tambobong beach. So if you’re choosing where to sleep, and you’re planning on camping, I suggest you sleep here instead.

Death Pool

How to go to Cabongaoan Beach from Manila

Victory or FiveStar bus from Cubao to Alaminos or Bolinao Php393 (5hrs)

it would be better if you already have a resort in mind so the tricycle can drop you off near that area

How to go to Cabongaoan Beach from Tambobong Beach

Cabongaoan Beach

The cheaper option would be to take a tricycle; costing anywhere between Php 250 – Php 350 per way per group. Be sure to keep your tricycle driver’s number.

The road isn’t that smooth and can sometimes get dusty. I didn’t find it bothersome but best to prepare yourself for a bumpy and dusty ride.

The more comfortable and scenic route would be via boat. But it comes with a price. Just recently they raised the price to Php 1,000 for a boat ride from Tambabong to Cabongaoan. It would be the more time efficient option especially if you’re going on an island hopping tour in Dasol and you’re planning to end your day at Cabongaoan.

Your choices would come down to your budget, if you can afford to spend more, then take the boat.

How you can reach the Death Pool

You have two options:

Walk for 20 – 30 minutes.From the beach, head towards the rocky area on your right. You’ll mostly be walking on sand under no shade. Remember to bring water and don’t skip on the sunblock. The nearer you get, the rockier the path will be. The rocks are quite sharp so make sure you’re not walking barefoot.

Hire a boat. There are a couple of boatmen around the beach area. Just approach them and ask how much they’ll charge for a trip to and from the death pool. We were able to ask one boatman, and he quoted us Php 300 for the trip for a group of up to four people.

Death Pool of Burgos, Pangasinan

The death pool isn’t that big, so when it’s crowded, it’s pretty hard to find a spot. We went on a weekday, and we stayed for about an hour within the vicinity but wasn’t lucky enough to have it all to ourselves. Despite the crowd, the area where the death pool is located is still beautiful. Don’t be devastated if you’re unable to get a ‘nice’ photo swimming in the death pool there are still lots of photo opportunities nearby.

Total Expenses (Budget)

You’ll be saving a lot if you have you’re bringing your own tent. If you’re not into camping, you’ll be spending a bit more but at least both fan and airconditioned rooms are available.

Overnight Tent Pitching (Own Tent) Group of 3

Php 786/person

Roundtrip Bus Cubao-Alaminos

Php 60/person

Roundtrip Bus/Jeep Burgos-Alaminos (Jeep is Php 26, Bus is Php 30)

Php 233/person

Roundtrip Tricycle (Php 350 per way)

Php 80/person

Breakfast at Burgos Market 1st Day

Php 80/person

Lunch at Burgos Market 2nd Day

Php 250/person

Market Budget (buy supplies at burgos market for cooking)

Php 150/person

Tent Pitching

TOTAL P1,640 per person

Cabongaoan Beach Resorts – Where to Stay

There aren’t any luxury resorts in Cabongaoan beach. If that’s what you’re after, better head to Bolinao instead. There are, however, a number of resorts to choose from and some of them offer airconditioned rooms. You basically have a choice between tent pitching, cottages, fan rooms, and airconditioned rooms.